Make France Great Again-Chapter 133 Cabinet Reshuffle

Jerome Bonaparte’s "explanation" clearly failed to convince Audion Barrot. Having finally expelled the Mountain Party and Republican Faction from the Legislative Assembly, he had no desire to allow the remnants of the suppressed Republicans into the Cabinet.

In contrast to Audion Barrot’s cold and passive resistance, Jerome Bonaparte presented an image of selflessness, earnestly advising Audion Barrot, "Prime Minister, I know that bringing Republicans into the Cabinet might undermine some of your power, but we have no choice!"

"Mr. President, I don’t think it’s necessary to share the cake with those who have been expelled from the table!" After a long silence, Audion Barrot finally spoke again.

Damn, I certainly don’t want to see your family dominate!

Jerome Bonaparte internally retorted.

Facing an Order Party that already held legislative power, Jerome Bonaparte absolutely couldn’t let them slowly integrate and seize administrative power.

The previous expulsion of the Republican Faction and Mountain Party from the Assembly aimed to turn it into a more compromising body, and with only 450 non-hardliner deputies, it was certainly easier to divide.

Now, drawing the Republicans into the Cabinet was similarly intended to dilute Audion Barrot’s power as Cabinet Prime Minister, allowing Jerome to strike a thunderous blow against him.

However, Jerome Bonaparte was evidently overly cautious.

According to the information Jerome Bonaparte obtained from some Order Party members who wished to side with him, after the main figures of the Mountain Party were expelled from the Assembly on June 13th, the Order Party already began experiencing intense internal conflicts. There was a struggle between the Left Wing and Right Wing of the Orléans Faction, a struggle between the Orléans Faction and the Orthodox Faction, and also disputes between the Moderate Republicans and the Orthodox Faction... As Prime Minister, Audion Barrot also faced hostility from some Order Party members, and the legislative victory ironically made his premiership even more precarious.

In the Second Republic’s constitution, a Prime Minister as the head of government could maintain power through the President’s trust when lacking parliamentary support.

Before the fall of the Mountain Party, Audion Barrot could rely on the Order Party to maintain power, disregarding the President.

After the fall of the Mountain Party, Audion Barrot had to rely on a part of the President’s support to maintain his position.

In the end, it’s easy to share adversity, but difficult to share prosperity.

It’s true between individuals, let alone a political party.

A great man once said there’s no party outside the party, with imperial thinking. No factions within the party, with all sorts of oddities.

"Prime Minister, I believe it’s essential to draw in some of the losers! As Senator Thiers once said, we are all Republicans of tomorrow.

Though our party has achieved a comprehensive victory, can we truly keep winning? Even during the Orléans Dynasty era, there were some Republicans who served as ministers.

Surrendering a portion of powers appropriately will help draw some people to our side, thus reducing the difficulty of passing legislation!" Jerome Bonaparte painstakingly analyzed the situation for Audion Barrot, inevitably mixing in some of his own interests during the conversation.

Though Audion Barrot remained silent, the observant Jerome Bonaparte noticed a shift in his gaze from resistance to contemplation, realizing that Barrot was beginning to weigh the pros and cons.

With Barrot starting to waver, Jerome Bonaparte decided to deal a fatal blow, "Mr. Barrow, I’ve heard that many in the party have started to criticize your policies, accusing you of indulgently catering to the opposition. Am I right?"

Barrow’s gaze flashed with surprise but soon returned to calm. He smiled and said, "I don’t know where you’ve heard such unfounded rumors, Mr. President!"

Feigning ignorance, Jerome Bonaparte self-critically remarked, "Oh! I was thinking, how could the Prime Minister be facing such issues!"

Then he changed his tone, assuring Audion Barrot, "But rest assured, Prime Minister, even if it’s true, you are still the Cabinet Prime Minister! You should know I’m not one for needless fuss!"

"Thank you for your trust, Mr. President!" Audion Barrot responded to Jerome Bonaparte.

Audion Barrot understood the implicit meaning in Jerome Bonaparte’s words: he had to take a step back and secure the support of some Republicans and the President.

Hmph! A man who maneuvers between sides!

After pondering for a moment, Audion Barrot tentatively questioned again, "Mr. President, which position do you think we should forfeit?"

Jerome Bonaparte showed no sign of falling into the trap, maintaining a businesslike attitude: "Prime Minister, that is something for you to consider."

Audion Barrot let down his guard, believing the President had no intention of seeking power, and genuinely wanted to maintain the Cabinet’s balance and stability.

Ultimately, Audion Barrot agreed to Jerome Bonaparte’s request to give some departmental powers to Republican officials, and Jerome Bonaparte also approved Barrot’s state of martial law.

Shortly after Audion Barrot left, Percy entered the study to report to Jerome Bonaparte: "Your Majesty, Marcel Yale has fully investigated Bifei’s issues. He is currently at the rear entrance of the Elysee Palace. Do you wish to see him?"

Jerome Bonaparte picked up his pocket watch and glanced at the time.

It was already around 4 PM. He nodded, instructing Percy to bring Marcel Yale in.

Led by Percy, Marcel Yale once again entered the Elysee Palace study.

"Your Majesty, it’s an immense honor to meet with you again!" Marcel Yale greeted Jerome Bonaparte with a devout expression tinged with enthusiasm.

"Please, sit down!" Jerome Bonaparte extended his hand in invitation to Marcel Yale.

Marcel Yale sat excitedly opposite Jerome Bonaparte.

With his back against the chair and hands clasped on the desk, Jerome Bonaparte smiled and asked, "How is the investigation going?"

When the topic turned to work, Marcel Yale’s expression instantly turned serious as he said, "Your Majesty, according to our investigation, Bifei indeed has land encroachment activities in the countryside! Moreover, we found that in Bifei’s home, there still..."

Marcel Yale struggled, contemplating how to tactfully explain to Jerome Bonaparte.

"What else? Feel free to speak boldly!" From Marcel Yale’s expression, Jerome Bonaparte was sure that Minister Bifei must have been involved in something sensational and he encouraged Marcel Yale.

"We learned from Minister Bifei’s maid that a large collection of female attire is hidden in Minister Bifei’s bedroom, and that Minister Bifei himself might have some small peculiar habits! Upon investigation, we discovered that Bifei seems to have close relations with some men!" Marcel Yale narrated Bifei’s behavior as tactfully as possible.

Damn, a man in women’s clothing?

Jerome Bonaparte also showed a peculiar expression on his face.

In this morally conservative 19th century, whether it was cross-dressing or certain behaviors, they would be seen as symbols of moral corruption.

Living in Paris certainly required a forgiving heart, but it did not mean one could willfully engage in acts that challenged moral boundaries.

Jerome Bonaparte himself did not expect that the prim and proper Minister Bifei would lead the forefront of Paris’s progressive forces.

At this thought, Jerome Bonaparte couldn’t help but shiver, goosebumps rising on his arms.

But this was not all; Marcel Yale continued to reveal, "We also discovered that during Minister Bifei’s absence, his wife frequently brought home three to five men for ’friendly’ exchanges!"

"Gathering for xyz" were the words that appeared in Jerome Bonaparte’s mind.

There were many political couples in Paris, but that didn’t mean one could gather for indulgence.

For the Order Party, which upholds moral order, the behavior of Bifei and his wife was simply violating the lowest moral standards.

Initially, Jerome Bonaparte only intended to focus on the issue of land annexation, but he suddenly realized that compared to Bifei’s other actions, land annexation was actually the lightest offense.

"Marcel, thank you for the information!" Jerome Bonaparte glanced at the clock on the table and invited Marcel Yale, "It’s getting late, would you like to have something to eat?"

"No need!" said Marcel Yale, who knew how to advance and retreat, "It’s my honor to serve Your Majesty!"

"Mr. Percy!" Jerome Bonaparte instructed Percy beside him, "Please see Marcel out!"

"Yes!"

Percy nodded his head and escorted Marcel Yale out of the study.

Under Percy’s guidance, Marcel Yale once again arrived at the back door of the Elysee Palace.

At parting, Percy spoke, "Well done! It’s clear that His Majesty is very pleased with you!"

"Thank you for your guidance, Secretary Percy!" Marcel Yale said with a bowed posture, expressing his gratitude humbly.

"Keep up the effort! Maybe in a few months, you’ll be appointed as Minister! Then, I should call you Minister Marcel!" Percy half-jokingly hinted at Marcel Yale.

Percy’s hint made Marcel Yale’s heart race, understanding it as a sign that the President might plan to target the Cabinet.

Once the Cabinet falls, the collapse will include a large number of bureaucrats relying on politicians.

Vacancies will need to be filled, and then his opportunity will come.

Encouraged by Percy’s hint, Marcel Yale became more determined to side with Bonaparte.

After Marcel Yale left, Percy returned to the study.

"Percy, I need you to make another trip!" Jerome Bonaparte handed an invitation card to Percy, "Deliver this invitation to Minister Bifei and ensure he honors us with his presence!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

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